Counseling Clinic Staff

Welcome

The professional staff at the center can assist you with a wide variety of mental health issues. Some of these issues include, but are not limited to; anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD assessment and treatment, anger management, communication skills, sexual minority issues, relationship skills, couples counseling, and stress management.

Rhonda McKinney, M.S., LMFT

Director of Counseling Clinic

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus and went on to receive my M.S. in Counseling from that same institution. I became licensed in the State of California as a Marriage, Family & Child Counselor and worked in a number of different settings. Eventually I ended up back at Cal State Stanislaus and worked for six years in their Counseling & Career Development Center. I am currently licensed as a counselor in Washington State and serve as the Director of Counseling Services here at Central. I love my job and thoroughly enjoy working with students on a variety of different issues.

Melissa Anderson, M.A., LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

I'm a Washington State native and lived in Montana before settling in Central Washington. I feel very fortunate to be able to live and work in an area with so many outdoor recreational opportunities.

My academic studies began in forestry and eventually drifted to a degree in psychology. I received my BA in Psych, here, at CWU, and my Master's in Counseling Psychology from Antioch University-Seattle. I have enjoyed working at CWU since 1995.

When not working, my partner and I spend our time trying to out-smart our two standard parti-poodles, Rum Doodle and Sherlock Bones. Rum Doodle has received his Therapy Dog International certification and comes into the clinic from time to time.

Cindy Bruns, Ph.D.

Psychologist/Training Director

Hello! I am a licensed psychologist in Washington State. I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Alameda Campus, in 2002 and have been licensed since 2003. I have worked in a variety of clinic settings, including most recently at a college counseling center. I love working with college students, as this is a time of life when people often are ready to look at the past, make some peace with it, and begin to experience life with greater authenticity and personal presence. I am excited to be part of this transformative process. I also enjoy the diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and cultures that students bring to the counseling experience. I have worked collaboratively with clients and consider a safe, positive therapeutic relationship to be essential to the change process. I will work with you to clarify your beliefs, values, and goals and help you find a way forward through your difficulties to greater connection and zest in your life. In my free time I enjoy cooking, gardening, and playing with our daughter.

Laura H. Dixon, Ph.D.Psychologist I received my Master’s degree in community counseling from The College of William and Mary and my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Brigham Young University. Before coming to CWU, I spent five years working at a university counseling center in Georgia and was licensed as a Psychologist there. I enjoy the interaction with students and the variety of clinical, outreach and consultation work that occurs in counseling centers. I love living in Ellensburg! Having grown up in the mountains, I have missed them and am glad to be back in a place that is so beautiful and has so many outdoor activities.

Carolyn Cleveland, Ph.D.Post-Doctoral ResidentOutreach Coordinator

I received my B.A. in Psychology from Auburn University, my M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Oklahoma State University, and my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from University of Wyoming. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at University of Miami’s Counseling Center. I am currently working towards becoming licensed as a psychologist in Washington State. I have worked in a variety of settings and with different populations, but am particularly drawn to working with the college population. I love collaborating with college students and helping them to interact with the college environment in a manner consistent with their personal goals, values, and beliefs. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family (including my two amazing dogs); practicing yoga; listening to live music; cooking; learning about consciousness, philosophy, health, and parenting; and exploring the awesome outdoor activities available in Washington State.

Chelsea Buffum, M.S.

Counselor

I received my undergraduate degree in Sociology from Whitworth University in 2011, and completed my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at CWU last year. I was a graduate assistant/intern for the counseling clinic during my second year of graduate school. Before working for the counseling clinic, I was a counselor for a residential treatment center for eating disorders in Bellevue. Although born and raised in Colorado, I have enjoyed living in Washington over the past six years as I still get to frolic in the great outdoors. In my free time I love to run, have coffee with friends, read books, and ride my grandparents' horses.

Rachel Gall, MADoctoral InternHello! I am a doctoral intern and am finishing my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado. I was born and raised in Seattle, completed my M.A. in Counseling at the University of Colorado, and then earned a Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, community mental health agencies, and private practice. I especially enjoy working with students regarding their families and relationships, as well as working with diverse individuals including those who identify as LGBTQ. I believe in using respect, humor, and gentle challenges to make counseling a positive and authentic experience. In my spare time I love being outdoors, reading, cooking, and being with my family.

Amal Abuzalaf Mull, M.A., M.Ed.Doctoral Intern, Clinical Psychology

I grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and have since then managed to live in other beautiful locations, including Denver, CO and now Ellensburg! After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, I began my career as a high school teacher, then changed my mind and went back to my passion of understanding and working with people from a psychological perspective. I am currently in the final year of my Clinical Psychology doctoral program with the University of Denver. I have provided treatment and assessment in educational, forensic, medical, and private settings to clients of all ages; however, working with a college population has been most interesting and rewarding for me. I am dedicated to working with clients on a wide variety of issues, and am especially interested in anxiety, spirituality, diversity, and relationships. Other passions of mine include hiking and playing music.

Owen Dugmore, Ph.D.

I earned my degrees at the University of Utah - B.A. in biology and chemistry, M.A. in educational psychology and Ph.D in counseling psychology. I have been a counselor and instructor at Central since 1968 and retired in Spring of 2014. My main professional interests are in counseling, the psychology of adjustment and the psychology of relationships. Otherwise, I am interested in English, philosophy, history, music, and theater arts and look forward to seminars, concerts and plays on campus. I have a season ticket to the Seattle Opera, and I am surrounded at home with books and discs (mainly classical). Minne, pictured here, and her daughter Kenny are neighbors who live near my office and frequently drop in to see how I am doing.

Toni WoodmanGraduate Assistant

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2013 from Central Washington University. After graduation I decided to stay in Ellensburg and attend CWU for graduate school as well. I am currently working towards an MS in Mental Health Counseling. Throughout my graduate experience I have enjoyed working with college students and hope to find myself working in a college counseling center after I graduate.When not focused on school, I enjoy hiking or cycling with my husband and spending time with my adorable niece.

Paul Reppas, MA

Doctoral Practicum Student

I am originally a Washingtonian. I did my first two years of undergraduate training at CWU and then finished up at Taylor University in Indiana, where I received my B.A. in Psychology. Currently, I am working toward my Ph.D in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary which is located in Pasadena California. I am excited to be back in the Cascades for this year of practice, as I missed the adventures they often provide (hiking, skiing, and tubing especially). I also enjoy reading, making music (solo guitar), engaging in philosophical musings, and being politically active. I approach counseling as a "guide who follows." I believe that you are the only expert of you, and therefore I see my job as simply pointing out mileposts, warning signs, and destinations. Therapy is a collaborative process of understanding and then deepening the narrative of your life.